4. Whole or Cluster families. Whole family genealogy is the idea that your ancestor lived with or near primary family members. Cluster family research covers any number of family groups with different surnames related through marriage and living as neighbors as well as the local community at large.

5. Time line - Make It. Map It. A time line puts your ancestor in historical perspective and points you to genealogical records. Map out the family cluster and consider what records could be available. Atlas of Historical County Boundaries